This is another sad story about an 8 year old boy missing. Seems like from reading this childs family histroy he never had a chance, altho LE is saying the search for Robert is their main focus, not his familys background.

Just in............. HLN News stating boy wearing same color shirts has been found in a canal near where Robert went missing...... found dead. Will post link in a few........ am listeing to an Idaho Reporter right now.

According to what I heard on HLN, the timeline of when little Robert disappeared has been seriously questioned. Also, the body of the little boy found in the pond has been identified as that of Robert Manwill. A little girl said that she saw Robert during the time when he was supposed to have gone missing. She said that she saw him walking back towards his apartment. The Police are also saying that there is no evidence to indicate Robert was abducted by a stranger. I think the mother & her boyfriend know exactly what happened to Robert.

Robert’s aunt and uncle spoke with NewsChannel 7 Wednesday and said they were holding out hope that the tentative ID was wrong – and they had held off making funeral arrangements.

Manwill was reported missing late in the evening of July 24th . A search began immediately, and for nearly a week – police held daily news conferences with Manwill’s family present – including his mother, Melissa Jenkins and Jenkins’ boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick.

The case started to rapidly change on Thursday 30th. That night, police began searching the Jenkins' Boise Bench apartment, removing materials from the home, including cabinets, computers and more. Police also towed a vehicle from the complex.

The next day, just as thousands of volunteers were scouring the city, police announced a change in tone to the public. Kerns told the media that police believed Robert "was the victim of a tragic event."

Searchers were told to look for a badly injured little boy, and also to be alert to "strange smells."

Then, late in the day, police responded to a home on Southdale Street in Ada County, and began probing dirt in the home's backyard in some sort of search.

The next day, that search was abruptly called off - and very few details came out until the discovery of Manwill's body near Kuna in the New York Canal Monday.

Though no suspects have been named in Manwill's death, and police would not detail who was responsible, his mother has a past criminal history that involves hurting children.

Ada County JailMelissa Jenkins, 29, of Boise, has been charged with felony injury to a child.

On October 19, 2008 police said a baby boy had been injured. Jenkins was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child. The child suffered serious head injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The child was taken into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Court documents say Jenkins hit her 9-month-old son's head on a surface. The infant suffered a fractured skull that caused not only physical pain, but mental suffering as well.

KTVB spoke with the family of Ehrlick, Jenkins' live-in boyfriend.

Since the boy’s disappearance, he's been in and out of the hospital for unspecified treatments, according to family.

A vigil is scheduled to be held on Shoshone St. at Cherry Ln. It will take place Friday at 8 p.m., and the community is invited to attend.

_________________We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly

Breaking news out of Boise: police say the death of 8 year-old Robert Manwill was not an accident. Boise Police Chief Deputy Jim Kerns says that the case is now being investigated as a homicide and there is no evidence that Robert was abducted by a stranger.

The Ada County Coroner said Wednesday evening, that forensic dental information helped to positively identify the body found in the New York Canal as Robert Manwill.

Kerns said, "We believe we will determine how and when Robert died and who is responsible."

Police have not named any suspects and no one is in custody. The 8 year old was last seen outside his mother's apartment on the night of July 24th.

The boy was visiting his mother, who was previously convicted of hurting another child, the night he vanished.

His body was pulled from the canal about 14 miles away on August 3rd.

http://www.kmvt.com/news/local/52557872.html

_________________We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly

Little Robert never had a chance......he should have been removed from the home when "Momma" was charged in the infant's assualt........God only knows what this little boy suffered. I could beat her a** myself....I just don't get it.

Piper wrote:Little Robert never had a chance......he should have been removed from the home when "Momma" was charged in the infant's assualt........God only knows what this little boy suffered. I could beat her a** myself....I just don't get it.

Hi, Piper! I completely agree with you. What in the Hell is wrong with Child Protective Services? They are obviously NOT doing their jobs. What idiot allowed this mother to keep her children? Given this woman's past history, the person who dropped the ball on this one is also responsible for Robert's death. I wonder how they can live with that knowledge?

I heard on HLN yesterday that there is evidently alot of "guessing" going on concerning Ehrlik ( sp ), boyfriend of the Mother. Apparantly the Mother was at work when Robert came up missing and Robert was left with the boyfriend. I hate to quote all this, so am off to try to find that transcript ! lol Sorry folks. Hope to "brb" with the exact wording on this.

Funeral services for Robert Manwill open to publichttp://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10870610

Neighbors walk 11 laps for RobertBOISE - The search for Robert Manwill is over, but the community is still reaching out in full force.

Neighbors Monica Dalton and Heather Fieseler weren't able to join any of the searches for Robert. But they still wanted to do something for the little boy and his family.

"Anybody can stand up in the community and show their support to anything," Fieseler said. "It doesn't have to be someone who knows the family."

Despite early morning puddles, Dalton, Fieseler and a few friends circled the same loop around Robert's apartment up to the top of Vista Ave. in Boise, 11 times.

"We picked this canal," Dalton said. "We live right down the street and we're just going to Targee, the Park Apartments, his memorial and back up."

The laps represented the 11 days Robert Manwill was missing and was away from his family.

"This is something serious that some people just brush off like it happens every day - but us, it really hurt us," she said.

One stop along the route was the boy's memorial, where volunteers were still cleaning and getting ready to donate Robert's toys to the Ronald McDonald House.

While heading back to Jackons, getting ready to start the fourth lap for Robert, Fieseler says although remembering the little boy is their number one priority, they also want to remind all parents to keep a close on eye on their little ones.

http://www.2news.tv/news/52798047.html

The family of Robert Manwill speak outhttp://www.kidk.com/news/52735367.htmlBOISE - A vigil was held for Robert Manwill Friday night in Boise. Earlier in the day, Robert's family addressed the public. Despite the latest news that police are calling his death a homicide, his family is sticking together.

The family says, in a way, Robert Manwill is finally home and for the first time since his body was found, they addressed the community.

"We also know that Robert is in your hearts and that you need closure just as we do," says Trish Burrill, Robert's aunt.

With Robert's mom and dad in the background, the family spokesperson offered words of thanks to the police department, investigators, and everyone whose let this little boy into their hearts.

"We as a family have given it much thought and would like you to meet Robert," she adds.

The family has set up a website through myspace. They say it's a way for everybody to get to know Robert, saying quote:

"Robert loved to meet new people and make new friends. He was so outgoing that we had to make new rules just for him. One of his rules was that he had to ask before he hugged someone. He loved life and people so much that he would run up to strangers and give them hugs."

While the family continues to ask for privacy right now, they also say it's important the community whose been there from day one, searching tirelessly, worrying and wondering, what's happened to Robert also be there until the end.

"To lay our sweet loving boy, Robert to rest with God," says Burrill.

Robert Manwill's life honored in Boisehttp://www.nwcn.com/statenews/idaho/stories/NW_080809IDN-manwill-vigil-KS.bf354ed1.html

Community Continues to Honor Robert Manwillhttp://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10872528

Hundreds remember Robert Manwill at his funeralBOISE - Robert Manwill's family has stood behind police for weeks as they searched for the little boy. Again today, they walked together, this time slowly, carrying Robert's remains.

Pastor George Sova spoke for the family during Sunday's services.

"What began as a community's search for a missing child and ended in the discovery of a tragic, tragic death of this sweet innocent boy," Sova said.

Hundreds of community members, some now friends of the Manwill family because of Robert, gathered with a shared grief and tears.

The eight-year-old's teacher, Christie Morales was among those who traveled to Boise for the funeral, from his hometown in New Plymouth.

"When you spend seven hours a day, five days a week with someone, you get attached," Morales said. "Robert was one of my kids and it's not fair to lose someone so young."

Morales's words were echoed by Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins and father, Charles Manwill, in letters, their last words to their son.

"You were a gift," Sova said. "Though it was extremely short, you will always be in our hearts."

But before Robert was finally laid in peace, his family stood together one last time.

Releasing white doves for the little boy, who won't soon be forgotten by the Boise community or his loving family.

_________________We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly

Robert Manwill's funeral draws nearly 500 mournersRobert Manwill's funeral service was held at the Cloverdale Funeral Home August 9.

BOISE -- With so many questions still unanswered, the family of Robert Manwill, and the community at large, sought closure Sunday afternoon at the funeral of the slain child.

Nearly 500 people attended the funeral of Manwill, the little boy who bonded a community, at the Cloverdale Funeral Home.

There is nothing more tragic nor more difficult to understand than the death of a child, especially one complicated by homicide. Sunday was a tearful coming together of those who feel this loss the most.

"I believe Robert Manwill should be remembered as Boise's peace child. What began as a community search for a missing child and ended in the discovery of the tragic death of sweet innocent boy has brought an entire community together," said Pastor George Sova.

The ceremony took place at 2 p.m. and featured speakers such as Manwill’s teacher who talked about a little boy who loved life.

"Today we have gathered here with a shared grief. I imagine there's a lot of shock, dismay. We're stunned, how could this happen." Sova said. “It wasn't anyone's fault that he wasn't found. It wasn't Robert's fault, it wasn't anyone's fault. And family, I want you to hear this well, it was someone made a choice...someone made a dark dreadful choice....to take his life." Sova said.

Sova also read letters from Manwill’s parents, detailing some of their memories of Robert and their desire to have his killer found. Manwill’s family and loved ones then released doves, which Sova said was a symbolic tribute to Manwill’s spirit.

“As Robert's dove soars over the horizon and out sight we can softly whisper, there. He is gone, but we can be sure that over that horizon, other's will look to the sky and joyfully exclaim, ‘look, here he comes’,” Sova said.

Following the dove release there was a procession to the nearby cemetery where Manwill's ashes were laid to rest.

While this is an end to a chapter this story is far from over as the criminal investigation into his death continues.

So far, police have not named any suspects or persons of interest.

Sova talked at the service about the need to serve justice in this case.

“The search continues not for Robert but for his perpetrator and as we speak law enforcement agencies across the board are working diligently seeking to solve this horrendous crime against an innocent child... so that it will not end on a shelf of unsolved mysteries somewhere,” Sova said.

Police have not released any details about its investigation so far.

Police say the family is cooperating with the investigation.

Hundreds Gather To Say Farewell To Robert Manwillhttp://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10874363

Missing Boy Found in Canal Laid to RestPosted: Aug 10, 2009 05:51 PM

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - An 8-year-old boy who was missing for more than a week before his body was found floating in an Ada County canal has been laid to rest at a Boise cemetery.

Nearly 500 members of the community attended a public memorial service for Robert Manwill on Sunday at the Cloverdale Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

Police say the death is an active homicide investigation and there is no evidence the boy was abducted by a stranger.

The child reportedly disappeared July 24 after leaving his mother's apartment in Boise. The boy lived with his father, Charles Manwill, in New Plymouth and was visiting his mother the night he vanished.

A passerby called emergency workers Aug. 3 to report a body in the canal near Kuna.http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10879851

Citizen volunteers train for emergencies in Pocatellohttp://www.kidk.com/news/52995082.htmlPOCATELLO - In the last few weeks thousands of people helped search for Robert Manwill, the missing 8-year-old Boise boy.

As part of an on-going training program, citizen volunteers in Pocatello were taught what they could do to help if a similar tragedy struck the Gate City. Brent Dustin, a new CERT Team Member said, "It can happen anyplace, anytime."

The mock emergency happening Tuesday is that a plastic baby is hidden somewhere in this field.

Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are learning how to search a large area for clues. Judy Harris, a third-year CERT Team Member said, "You can learn so much out of a book, but you really need to do it to get the feel of it and the practice."

And the exercise was a success. The CERT team found all nine hidden items; including a handgun, knife, baby clothes, and victim. Dustin said, "The more training you have the better job you can do. You learn your teammates, your squad, what you're doing, and you have some idea of what to start on."

While Tuesday's search was obviously staged, the Police Department has used volunteers in the past to help them find evidence.

And having a group of people go through the CERT training makes them even more effective in the future if they're needed. Kim Ellis, Pocatello Police Department Community Services Division said, "We're training them. They're familiar with us, and we're familiar with them. In an emergency we could instantly augment ourselves by 25 or 30 people."

An immense benefit considering all of the team members are volunteering their time. Harris said, "There aren't a lot of people that are trained to do this, and hopefully we'll be able to help."

But most are hoping it never actually comes to that.

So far the CERT team has not been called out during an emergency, but the Police Department is confident team members are prepared if the need arises.

To become a member of the CERT team you need to pass a criminal background check.

_________________We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly

BOISE - Court documents are alleging that Robert Manwill's mother and her boyfriend tortured the 8-year-old boy under sadistic circumstances before murdering him in July.

"Daniel Ehrlick...did unlawfully and with the intentional application of torture, kill and murder Robert G. Manwill, a human being, by intentionally inflicting upon...extreme or prolonged pain with the intent to cause suffering, to execute vengeance, or to satisfy some sadistic inclination and or by inflicting upon extreme or prolonged acts of brutality...," court documents say.

The documents go on to allege that Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, 30, did aid and abet Ehrlick in "(inflicting) repeated acts of blunt force trauma to the abdomen and or head of Robert Manwill with his hands, knees, fists and or feet and by other means of physical force, physical and or emotional abuse which caused bruising, pain, abdominal bleeding and injuries..."

BOISE, Idaho — The mother of an 8-year-old boy found dead in an Idaho canal and her live-in boyfriend have been indicted on first-degree murder charges by an Ada County grand jury.

Thirty-year-old Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Daniel Ehrlick Jr., were arrested Tuesday in the death of Jenkins' son, Robert Manwill. The two also face charges on accusations that they failed to report the boy's death.

Robert was missing for more than a week before his body was found floating in the canal Aug. 3. No cause of death has been released, but police said evidence showed the death was not accidental.

Thanks for the links Tracey. It's another case of sick, twisted people murdering an innocent child. Why does this keep happening? Are the laws in this country not stiff enough? From everything I have read about this case, it sounds like those two criminals should have already been in jail before having a chance to murder Robert.

Yes, I am just sickened by this. I do NOT understand! I just don't! For one, how the hail, was this boy back in his mothers home after cracking her first child's skull at 9 months old? Secondly, why do these MOTHERS (used loosely here) bring these violent men into the lives of their children. They want to be with losers who beat on them, fine, what the hail ever. But for God's sake, don't bring them in your kids lives. Seems to me like this mother never gave a rat's azz about her kids and has a temper herself. I wish they would get the death penalty. I really do. I was not a supporter of the death penalty for a long time. And the reason was, only because of their families and how I hated to have any more suffering. However, I don't give a damn anymore. I am tired of opening the paper, reading the news, turning on the tv and we have lost another innocent child. We, as a society have to do something. I only wish I had an answer. I truly am just sick about this sweet little boy having his life just snuffed out as if he didn't matter. He did matter and he Does matter. Enough is Enough!Damn, I am angry!

Every one of these cases of children being murdered make me angry. I think many people who didn't support the death penalty are changing their stance as they continue to hear about these horrible cases of children being murdered, tortured, sexually abused, buried alive, dumped in rivers, dumped in the woods, etc. I don't think any punishment is too harsh for these child killers.

Another innocent child, at the hands of the mother... and boyfriend I don't know what the answer is as far as punishment for torturing and killing a child. I think torture and slow death, that isn't even enough.

I understand CPS workers have an overwhelming case load. However, then the government MUST go all the way to the freaking President if they have to, to get more funding. Children are being lost more and more because there is NO ONE watching out for them. I also believe in many cases, it's LAZY case workers who drop the ball too. And finally NO MORE second, third and fourth chances for these disgusting parents.

Justice4all wrote:Every one of these cases of children being murdered make me angry. I think many people who didn't support the death penalty are changing their stance as they continue to hear about these horrible cases of children being murdered, tortured, sexually abused, buried alive, dumped in rivers, dumped in the woods, etc. I don't think any punishment is too harsh for these child killers.

Alleged killers refuse to enter pleas in court for Manwill murderStory Published: Sep 4, 2009 at 10:13 PM CDTStory Updated: Sep 7, 2009 at 8:47 PM CDTThe mother of a young boy found dead in a Boise area canal and her boyfriend have both refused to enter pleas to first degree murder charges. Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Erhlick Junior were arrested late last month in the death of 8-year old Robert Manwill.

While Jenkins and Ehrlick stood silent, a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

The indictment accuses Jenkins of hiding her son's injuries from state and local officials who could have intervened, as well as, aiding and abetting her boyfriend in her son's death.http://www.kmvt.com/news/local/57457967.html

_________________We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly

This story is just another example of why some people should never be allowed around children, let alone have them! It makes me angry , and to look at their pictures. I think they both deserve the Death Penalty. However, if that's not possible, then life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ada County will not seek the death penalty in Robert Manwill murder case

Ada County prosecutors decided Friday they will not seek the death penalty against first-degree murder suspects Daniel Ehrlick and Melissa Jenkins for the beating death of 8-year-old Robert Manwill earlier this year.

Ehrlick is accused of beating the boy — Jenkins’ son — to death. Jenkins is accused of covering up the crime and lying to police about what happened.

Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower said in August much of the decision on whether to pursue the death penalty would depend on what kind of mitigating evidence defense attorneys provide to prosecutors as they swap discovery on the case.

It's the prosecutor's job to determine whether the aggravating factors exist for a jury to sentence someone to death, like if the killing was heinously cruel, the defendant has a propensity to commit murder, or the killer showed an utter disregard for human life.

It's up to defense attorneys to find the mitigating factors a jury might consider to spare a life, like if the defendant suffers from mental illness or was a victim of child abuse themselves.

Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/eyepiece/story/938872.html

I think the murder was heinously cruel and showed an utter disregard for human life. I wonder what mitigating factors made prosecutors decide not to seek the death penalty?

BOISE -- The couple accused of killing 8-year-old Robert Manwill last summer were back in court this afternoon.

Attorneys for the boy's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick, want a jury from outside of southwest Idaho, but they didn't get that change of venue today.

Judge Darla Williamson says she'll hear arguments on that motion two weeks before new trial dates are set.

Last July, thousands of people spent weeks searching for Robert Manwill, whose body was found Aug. 3 in the New York canal.

Jenkins and Ehrlick made public pleas for help, but it was those two police arrested for murder.

Today, both defendants sat quietly in court, only speaking in whispers to their attorneys. Several sheriff's deputies surrounded them.

Ehrlick's attorney asked the judge for separate trials because he says Jenkins implicated Ehrlick in interviews, and it could pose a conflict for his client. The judge granted that motion.

After the hearing, Trish Burrill told us her sister, Melissa Jenkins, is distraught and confused.

"It's a chess game, that's exactly the way it is. one person, one side says this the next side does this. It's just a chess game until they get it all figured out and we go to trial and hear what really happened to Robert," said Burrill.

Next week, the two defendants will be back in court, where the judge will hear motions to push back their trials.

Right now, Ehrlick's is scheduled for April, and Jenkins is set for May.

BOISE, Idaho — The trial of a man accused in the beating death of an 8-year-old Idaho boy whose body was pulled from an irrigation canal last summer is set to start this fall.

Judge Darla Williamson decided Thursday that jury selection will begin in Daniel Ehrlick's trial on Sept. 22. The trial of Melissa Jenkins, who is also accused in the death of her son Robert Manwill, is to start Nov. 29.

Williamson did not rule on a request to move the trials out of Boise, saying she wants to see if media coverage of Ehrlick's trial will affect the ability to find an impartial jury in Ada County.

Each are charged with first-degree murder.

Prosecutors say the boy was tortured, beaten and ultimately killed by Ehrlick, his mother's live-in boyfriend.

Assistant deputy prosecutor Jan Bennetts would not go on camera but said, "it doesn't affect the way we handle the case. We will proceed with the case and handle it in an appropriate fashion, regardless of who is working on the defense."

We did talk with Robert Manwill's aunt Trish Burrill. She says they are anxiously waiting for the trial to start.

Ehrlick's trial is set to start in October. Jury selection will begin in September.

The trial for the Robert Manwill's mother Melissa Jenkins is set to start in November.

BOISE - A small DNA sample could possibly delay the trial against Robert Manwill's mother and her boyfriend.

Prosecutors say Daniel Ehrlick killed the 8-year-old boy while Melissa Jenkins helped cover it up. They also say Jenkins helped hide Robert in the closet for days even as investigators scoured their neighborhood looking for any signs of the missing boy.

Arguments on Friday's hearing centered on a DNA sample that was too small for both sides to test. The judge could bring in an independent company to analyze it.

At times, the court arguments got heated. Lawyers for the accused argued the DNA sample could show it's from someone besides Ehrlick and Jenkins.

Prosecutors fired back saying even if someone else was there, it doesn't prove the couple was not involved in the boy's death.

The judge will rule on the DNA sample next week. The trial against Ehrlick is expected to begin in September while Jenkins is scheduled for November.

There are dramatic new details coming out in the Robert Manwill's case showing what investigators say the abuse the eight year old endured lead up to his death.

The Idaho Statesman obtained documents that show a repeated pattern of abuse and perhaps the most chilling part is how the abuse was hidden from those who could have saved the little boy's life

The coroner's report shows that 8-year old Robert Manwill died of blunt force trauma and with the new evidence that's being made public it's showing how Robert was abused weeks before his murder.

Almost a year later there's still no justice for 8-year old Robert Manwill. His mother, Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick, are accused of murdering the young boy.

The court documents show witnesses describing rough discipline, pinning the boy to the ground, pushing his face against a wall, and hitting Robert.

"There's an allegation that Daniel Ehrlick committed the use of wooden molding to hit Robert," said Idaho Statesman reporter Patrick Orr.

The little boy's mysterious disappearance sparked national attention. Thousands of community members searched high and low for Robert, while his mother insisted she had nothing to do with his disappearance.

"All I really want to say is please, please, help me find my son," said Melissa Jenkins during the search one year ago.

Just a few days after being reported missing police found the little boy dead in a canal. Now his mother is accused of covering up the crime and lying to police. The Idaho Statesman revealed new information from grand jury testimony.

Prosecutors claim for weeks before the boy's death there was a pattern of "escalating physical violence."

Ehrlick is accused of forcing Robert to lie motionless on the ground after "dropping a knee" onto his chest. The couple would also make the little boy eat food "he did not like" until he vomited. And when Health and Welfare workers would come to the mother's home court records reported Robert's mom hid him in a closet so they wouldn't see his bruises.

Now prosecutors want to force Robert's mother to testify against her boyfriend in his trial.

"She's probably the key to the prosecution because she knows better than anybody what happened," said Orr.

On Thursday there's a court hearing to try to force Melissa Jenkins to give that testimony against her boyfriend that could finally reveal what happened to her son.

Couple accused of murdering 8-year-old Robert Manwill in court right now

KTVB.COMUpdated today at 10:32 AM

BOISE -- The two people accused of murdering 8-year-old Robert Manwill, whose body was found floating in a canal in 2009, are in court today.

Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick are both charged with first-degree murder.

Ehrlick is also charged with failure to report a death to law enforcement, while Jenkins is charged as an accessory.

KTVB's Ty Brennan is keeping us informed with what is going on in the Ada County courtroom.

At 9:30 a.m., Brennan reported Melissa Jenkins' defense attorney and the judge were arguing over whether she should be required to testify in the case.

Jenkins' attorney claims his client is a "chronic liar" and shouldn't take the stand. The judge argues she will be under oath and facing a perjury charge if she lies on the stand.

Melissa Jenkins' attorney also expressed concern that his client will not get a fair trial in Boise because of all of the media attention surrounding the case.

Around 10:00 a.m., another attorney in Jenkins' defense asked the judge for a list of things they wanted for their case, including audio tapes of officer's interrogating Melissa Jenkins and polygraph tests.

Manwill's body was found in a canal in Kuna on August 10, 2009.

Ty Brennan will be updating us from the courtroom throughout the day, keep checking back here for immediate updates to the courtroom proceedings.

Background:

The indictment handed down last year by an Ada County Grand Jury accuses that the pair "tortured and murdered Manwill by inflicting extreme or prolonged pain with intent to cause suffering or to satisfy some sadistic inclination by inflicting repeated acts of blunt force trauma or abdomen and/or head with his hands, knees, fists and/or feet."

The indictment also accuses Ehrlick and Jenkins of lying to police about the events surrounding Manwill's death

UNCUT: Judge reads indictment against Jenkins, Ehrlick.

The boy was reported missing to police on July 24th, 2009. The community quickly responded, with posters featuring the boy's face popping up all over town, and volunteers spending spare time searching for the child.

Judge Deborah Bail asked both Jenkins and Ehrlick wether they intended to plead guilty or not guilty. The judge outlined the rights and loss of rights tied to each choice.

Pleas were not entered in the case, instead were delayed so that the newly appointed attorney in the case could get up to speed.

The case started to rapidly change on Thursday July 30, 2009. That night, police began searching the Jenkins' Boise Bench apartment, removing materials from the home, including cabinets, computers and more. Police also towed a vehicle from the complex.

Jenkins has a past criminal history that involves hurting children.

On October 19, 2008, police said a baby boy had been injured. Jenkins was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child. The child suffered serious head injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The child was taken into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Court documents say Jenkins hit her 9-month-old son's head on a surface. The infant suffered a fractured skull that caused not only physical pain, but mental suffering as well.

Since Manwill's disappearance and before his arrest, Ehrlick had been in and out of the hospital for unspecified treatments, according to family.

"They say because she's a chronic liar, Jenkins will expose herself to perjury charges if she testifies against Ehrlick and none of it would serve the public interest"

Perjury charges....that should be the least of her attorney's worries. He says it will have a chilling effect on her to be able to defend herself....she assisted in her son's brutal beatings and murder. She almost killed her 9 month old...NO IMMUNITY DEAL FOR THIS WOMAN!

Boise, Idaho - Documents in the child murder case against a Boise mom and her boyfriend show that prosecutors say 8-year-old Robert Manwill was complaining of pain and struggled to walk the last time his mother saw him alive.

The mother, Melissa Jenkins, and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick, are charged with first-degree murder in connection with Robert’s beating death.

The boy was reported missing in Boise last July 24; his body was found nearly two weeks later in an irrigation canal.

The Idaho Statesman reports that court records show, Jenkins told investigators 'she should have' sought medical attention for Robert the morning of his death, when he was complaining of back, chest and stomach pain and stumbled when he tried to walk.

Prosecutors say Ehrlick repeatedly abused the boy and Jenkins didn't stop it; not guilty pleas were entered by the court on their behalf.

BOISE -- A judge has granted the state's motion to compel the testimony of Melissa Jenkins in her former boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick's trial and she would be granted immunity for that testimony, meaning it could not be used against her in her trial.

Jenkins and Ehrlick are accused of murdering Jenkins' son, 8-year-old Robert Manwill, whose body was found floating in a Kuna canal on Aug. 10 2009.

Both are charged with first-degree murder.

Ehrlick is also charged with failure to report a death to law enforcement, while Jenkins is charged as an accessory.

Last Thursday, prosecutors and defense attorney's argued whether Jenkins should take the stand to testify against Ehrlick during his murder trial.

Jenkins' attorney Rob Chastain did not want his client to testify because she is a chronic liar, and he argued that could get her in trouble on the witness stand.

Ada County prosecutors argued Jenkins' testimony is necessary in this case. Of particular interest is Robert's physical condition on the morning of July 24th, the day he was reported missing. The boy had complained of head, stomach and back pains that day.

According to court document, Jenkins told the grand jury that Robert was having a hard time walking and stumbled down the hall of their apartment. She acknowledged she have sought medical attention for Robert.

Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson wrote in her order that it is in the public interest to have Jenkins testify because she was a witness to Robert's condition prior to his death.

"Compelling her to testify is consistent with the functioning of government to solve crimes and to hold accountable those who commit crimes," she wrote.

by Scott EvansIdaho's NewsChannel 7KTVB.COMPosted on July 24, 2010 at 5:45 PM

BOISE -- It was one year ago today that the Boise Police Department asked the public to get involved in the search for third grader Robert Manwill.

From June 23, when he was initially reported missing, to August 3 when his body was found -- his story captivated thousands.

Now, his mother Melissa Jenkins and her former boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick are charged with his murder.

The search

One year ago, the Boise Police Department put a lot of resources into finding 8-year-old Robert Manwill.

While the search started quietly the night he went missing, it quickly turned into a more desperate search for the missing boy.

"At this point, we don't know where Robert is,” said Deputy Chief Jim Kerns with the Boise Police Dept. "We're trying to determine what has happened, and we're pleading with the public for their assistance in locating Robert Manwill."

From flyers and stopped cars, to combing neighborhoods, to canal banks - police with volunteers by their side were determined to find Robert Manwill.

Hours turned into days, and those days increased the desperation to find the boy.

"He's just a kid,” said Eldon Manwill, Robert's cousin. “No one should be missing for this long, especially a kid."

After a week, police called for more volunteers and what they got was unprecedented.

"It's amazing,” said a woman who helped in the search. “I couldn't believe how many people were here."

Thousands of strangers - brought together by the cause.

"It's just great to live in Boise in a city like that and the community coming together,” said Julie Decko, a friend of the family. “It makes me feel really proud and I'm proud of the citizens of Boise.”

The investigation

Less than a week after he went missing, details of his family’s background came to light.

The following night, police searched the apartment of Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins.

"The case is now being investigated by the Boise Police Department as a homicide," Kerns said.

Police remained tight-lipped during the investigation, each day holding a news conference to give updates.

"Justice will not be denied for Robert Manwill," said Dep. Chief Jim Kerns.

Robert’s relatives pleaded for information.

"All we want to do is bring Robert home. So please, if you know anything, if you've seen anything, contact the police department andhelp us find Robert," said Trish Burrell, Robert’s aunt.

Manwill found

On August 3, Robert was finally found, but the outcome was one that had been feared.

Robert's body was found in the New York Canal in Kuna.

“We want to thank our community family for everything they have done for our family and for Robert," Burrell said.

"Preliminary results from the autopsy give us reason to believe that 8-year-old Robert Manwill's death was not an accident," Kernssaid. "We will determine how and when Robert died, and who is responsible, and we will hold those responsible for Robert's death accountable."

Murder charges

Two weeks later, on August 18, police arrested Robert's mother and her boyfriend on charges of first degree murder.

Both are charged with first-degree murder, though prosecutors have been hoping to hold Ehrlick's trial first so they can force Jenkins to testify against him -- under a deal stipulating that nothing she says in his trial can be used against her in hers.

But prosecutors did not hand over results of DNA evidence tests until late September, which Williamson characterized as a "failure." It did not leave enough time for the defense to have that DNA evidence tested before the trial was to begin, she said.

"If the court forces the Ehrlick trial at this time, (Ehrlick's) ability to defend will be prejudiced; and if convicted, in all likelihood the court would be facing a retrial because of this late disclosed evidence," Williamson wrote in her order.

"The court does not want to vacate and reset this trial," Williamson wrote. "The court is left with no choice ."

Jenkins' trial is still scheduled to begin in early January, and now it is possible her trial could go first.

BOISE -- The aunt of Robert Manwill, the eight-year-old boy who captivated the hearts of the Treasure Valley during the summer of 2009, talks about everything from the search to her sister’s court appearance.

Little Robert captured my heart. He "went missing" about a month after little Emma Thompson was brutally raped and beaten. I was devastated when Robert was found and some things about his death were disclosed. I cried for him as I thought of what this innocent little boy went through.

Boise -- Prosecutors say the man accused of killing 8 year old Robert Manwill was putting on an act when he tried to commit suicide.

Thursday's status hearing dealt with various motions, all addressing what evidence will be admitted in Daniel Ehrlick's trial. Prosecutors say Ehrlick was trying to avoid meeting with police about Manwill's disappearance by faking a suicide attempt.